Victoria's hub for health services and business
A gateway to the strategies, policies, programs and services delivered by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Victorian government portal for older people, with information about government and community services and programs.
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Your local maternal and child health service will be a great source of support after your baby is born...
My Health and Development Record is designed for parents to keep and record their child's milestones, health, growth, development and immunisations...
This is your first key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years...
This is your two week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years...
Typical sleep behaviour – (6) preschoolers 3 to 5 years – Preschoolers aged between three and five years sleep between 10 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period...
Typical sleep behaviour – (5) toddlers 2 to 3 years – Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, toddlers often sleep 12 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period...
Toddler sleep patterns and behaviours (1 to 2 years) – From approximately 12 months of age, toddlers tend to sleep better...
Baby sleep patterns and behaviours (6 to 12 months) – From about the age of 6 months, your baby’s sleep patterns gradually become more developed...
Baby sleep patterns and behaviours (3 to 6 months) – At this age, babies generally sleep 10 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period and need your help to settle and go to sleep...
Newborn sleep patterns and behaviours - Newborns generally sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period and do not know the difference between day and night...
Solutions to sleep concerns (13) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years – It can be difficult to know whether your preschooler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern...
Solutions to sleep concerns (12) – toddlers 1 to 3 years – It can be difficult to know whether your toddler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern...
Solutions to sleep concerns (11) - babies 6 to 12 months – If your baby’s sleeping patterns are not affecting you or your family and you have strategies that work, then you do not have a sleep...
Typical sleep behaviour information in community languages...
Self-care and support for parents and carers of young children (14) – The birth of a baby is a very exciting, happy and rewarding time your life...
There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria...
There are many government funded family support services available to help parents and young people deal with family issues...
It might be valuable to occasionally evaluate the dynamics of your family to ensure that everyone is as happy as they could be...
You can buy more food if you spend most of your money on basic healthy foods like bread, cereals, fruit and vegies...
When your child turns three-and-a-half, it is time for their final key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse...
This is your four week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years...
This is your eight week key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years...
Give your undivided attention when your child asks for it ... 10 tips for happier step-parenting...
Adoption can give a secure family life to children who can?t live with their birth family...
The grief of empty nest syndrome often goes unrecognised, because an adult child moving out of home is seen as a normal, healthy event...
Foster care is temporary care of children up to 18 years by trained, assessed and accredited foster carers...
Kinship care is the care provided by relatives or a member of a child's social network when a child cannot live with their parents...
If you don't approve of your child's reasons for moving out, try to keep the lines of communication open...
A person can become a single or sole parent for many different reasons. You may have chosen to start a family on your own, you may be separated or divorced, or your partner may have died. As a...
As a foster carer, you are providing a safe and supportive home for a child or teenager who can’t live with their family of origin. You may face challenges that affect you physically, emotionally and...
After experiencing abuse, neglect or rejection, many children are slow to put their trust in anyone...
In single-parent households, issues such as holidays or major family purchases are more likely to be decided with the children...
Becoming part of a stepfamily involves adjusting to a number of changes...
Surrogacy is a form of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) in which a woman carries a child within her uterus on behalf of another person or couple...
Teach your children to sort out minor differences themselves... 10 tips for managing sibling rivalry...
The pressure on young girls and boys to be physically perfect is creating an epidemic of children and teenagers with low self-esteem and negative body image. Reporter Flip Shelton introduces us to the...
Give your child opportunities to appreciate their body for what it can do, rather than what it looks like...
Parents can help with bullying by supporting their child and involving the authorities to find solutions...
If your child's shyness is especially debilitating, you may like to consider professional help from a counsellor or psychologist...
Sibling rivalry is a common problem, particularly among children who are the same sex and close together in age...
Disciplining your child means teaching them responsible behaviour and self-control...
It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time and occasional conflict is part of family life...
Internet addiction refers to the compulsive need to spend a lot of time on the Internet, to the point where relationships, work and health suffer...
With a few simple plans in place, a good time can be had by all at a teenage party – even the parents...
Peer groups can be a very positive influence on your teenager's life...
Accept that your adolescent may have a different view of the world and respect their opinions...
Children thrive with words of encouragement and praise...
A Healthy Start to School – a guide for parents of children in their foundation year of school...
A young child is naturally active, so build upon their inclinations to use their body...
If you eat and enjoy fruit and vegetables every day, your child may eventually follow your lead...
Access to vaccines has changed lives and protects our children from crippling diseases such as polio...
Often, an eating disorder develops as a way for an adolescent to feel in control about what's happening in their life...
A good balance between exercise and food intake is important to maintain a healthy body weight...
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influence by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation...
No Jab No Play – from 1 January 2016, all parents/guardians seeking to enrol their child at an early childhood service in Victoria must provide evidence that the child is fully immunised for their age...
If your child is overweight, you can help by making healthier lifestyle choices for yourself...
Physical activity is an important part of health and wellbeing, and girls should remain active as they grow up...
Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts...
All suicide threats are serious. You don't have to be a trained professional to help a person contemplating suicide...
Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment...
Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people...
You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings...
Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of children developing asthma and provokes more frequent asthma in children with asthma...
Parents and children talk about some of the factors that can cause a child's asthma to flare up...
Children with back pain may grow into adults with chronic bad backs, so it is important to encourage sensible back care...
Bedwetting is a problem for many children and punishing them for it will only add to their distress...
Untreated behavioural disorders in children may mean they grow up to be dysfunctional adults...
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies under six months of age...
A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia)...
Chickenpox is highly contagious, but it is generally mild and gets better without the need for special treatment...
Mild vomiting is normal in most babies and improves over time...
A child learning to walk receives important sensory information from the soles of their feet, and shoes can make walking more difficult...
Don't slap a choking person on the back while they are upright - gravity may cause the object to slip further down their windpipe...
Cold viruses are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact...
Caring for a crying baby with colic can be stressful, so take some time out to calm down...
A healthy diet, plenty of fluids, exercise and regular toilet habits can help relieve constipation in children...
Coughing and wheezing in babies can be distressing for you and your baby, but in most cases symptoms can be relieved at home...
Cradle cap is not contagious and it is not caused by poor hygiene or bad parenting...
Croup is a viral infection of the throat and windpipe that causes noisy breathing, a hoarse voice and a harsh, barking cough...
Cysts may be as small as a blister or large enough to hold litres of fluid...
Dental anxiety is common, but there are ways to help you manage it. Talk to your dentist about which strategies are right for you...
Modern techniques mean that dental and oral health treatment is almost always painless...
The most important thing is to recognise the signs and symptoms and seek support...
It is estimated that around four out of five children will experience a middle ear infection at least once...
Children with epilepsy generally have seizures that respond well to medication, and they enjoy a normal and active childhood...
Correctly fitted shoes help you avoid foot and leg pain or injury...
Fever is a way in which the body fights infection. A fever is not dangerous and does not always indicate a serious illness...
A febrile convulsion is a fit that occurs in children when they have a high fever...
Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction...
Gastroenteritis or Gastro can be dangerous for very young babies. Gastro is common in young children and spreads easily. Gastro is a bowel infection which causes diarrhoea (runny or watery poo) and...
Growing pains may cause a lot of pain but they are harmless and can respond to simple treatments...
Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease to others, both for those infected and their carers...
No product can prevent head lice, but regular checks can help prevent the spread...
The earlier that hearing loss is identified in children, the better for the child?s language, learning and overall development...
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria...
Vaccinations are encouraged for all individuals living in the state of Victoria, Australia. The immunisation program in Victoria may be different than other countries, and individuals who have moved...
If your baby is full-term and healthy, mild jaundice is nothing to worry about and will resolve by itself within a week or so...
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea...
Male circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis...
Melissa shares her story of how her baby caught chickenpox at 5 weeks old...
Do not leave young adults alone if they suddenly develop a fever because they may become seriously ill very quickly...
Most babies get nappy rash at some stage, no matter how well they are cared for...
Once children are overweight, it takes a lot of effort for them to return to a healthy weight...
Oral thrush, mouth ulcers and cold sores are common oral conditions in babies and young children...
If you think your child is in pain, always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment...
Despite the unsavoury reputation, a pinworm infection (worms) is relatively harmless and easily treated...
Every child is at risk of tooth decay, but good feeding habits and oral care can help prevent decay in baby teeth...
The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound...
Influenza immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups...
Fight flu this winter. Protect yourself – get vaccinated...
This immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation...
Being immunised from an early age helps protect your child against serious childhood infections...
We answer some common questions about immunisation, including how immunisation works, why it's important and where you can be immunised...
Immunisations are important for you as you get older, because your immune system can become less effective at protecting you from some diseases...
Immunisation saves lives. It protects you, your family and your community. And it also helps protect future generations by eradicating diseases...
If you've recently arrived in Australia or missed out on an immunisation for any reason, you may need catch-up doses...
10 tips for secondary students on how to deal with immunisation...
A number of combined immunisations against diphtheria, tetanus and other infectious diseases are available to provide protection at various life stages...
Some jobs have a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, so if your job is one of these, it’s a good idea to check your immunisation status...
Immunisation can protect a woman and her unborn baby against many infectious diseases...
Talk to a qualified medical expert like your doctor to find out more about immunisation...
Find out how important you and your child's immunisation is to the most vulnerable members in our community...
Some immunisations are recommended for all Australian teenagers...
A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)...
1800RESPECT is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service...
The Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing or recovering from family violence or sexual assault...
Services include parent education to maternal and child healthcare, child care, crisis support, child protection, family violence and relationship services...
Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets...
ACD works to change the lives of children with a disability through information, support and advocacy...
The ASRC is committed to upholding the human rights of all people seeking asylum...
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) implements the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, which oversees 14 national health practitioner boards including the Chinese...
ASD is a complex disorder that affects a person's ability to interact with the world around them...
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, but you are not on your own and there are plenty of professionals and groups who can help...
People with intellectual disability can express their sexuality in satisfying ways...
Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support...
If your child has a disability, you need to consider extra issues when your child starts school...
For a person with Down syndrome, being included in all aspects of family life can lead to a successful life within the community...
There are a number of significant health and medical issues that are more common in people with Down syndrome...
You should focus on what your child with Down syndrome can do, rather than what they can't do...
As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety and become safer road and bicycle users...
By making a few practical changes to your home, you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury to your child...
The best way to reduce the risk of injury to children is to remove a potentially dangerous item or add a safety product...
Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries...
Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury and death than their parents or other farm workers...
Babies and children can quickly lose body fluids in hot weather, which can lead to dehydration...
A child's digital footprint can be as easy to follow as their real footprints...
Teach your child strategies for responding to mobile phone bullying...
Play environments can be safe and beneficial for your child. With proper planning, you can make sure your child gets plenty of playtime activity...
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately if you suspect your child has been poisoned or given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine...
As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety, and become safer road users...
Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water...
Child Protection provides child-centred, family-focused services to protect children from harm caused by abuse within the family...
Kids are not to blame for violence at home, it's not your fault and it's not a special secret...
There is a range of non-government agencies available to help families under stress in caring for their children...
Too many children are physically, sexually and emotionally abused and when this happens, it is up to adults to speak up...
As a parent, you have an important role in helping your child recover from sexual abuse...
Miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is a shattering event for those expecting a baby, and for their families. Grief, relationship stresses and anxiety about subsequent pregnancies are common in...
It can be difficult to talk to a child about death, but it is important to be honest with them...
People who have support from family and friends are less likely to suffer poor health after bereavement and loss...
Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria...
You can reduce your baby's risk of sudden unexpected death by providing a safe sleeping environment and avoiding tobacco smoke...
Babies and toddlers can be as affected by trauma as any other family member...
Tell your child the facts about a distressing or frightening experience using language they can understand...
Preschoolers may not have the words but will show their distress at traumatic events through changes in behaviour and functioning...
When a family is affected by trauma, everyone will react in a different way...
Children look to their parents or carers to judge how to deal with a crisis...
A teenager may be deeply upset by a traumatic event, but not share their feelings with their parents...
Teenagers may turn to friends rather than parents for support in times of trauma and distress...
It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions after a distressing or frightening event, and help is available...
A community health centre is publicly funded and offers a range of health services to local residents...
Early Parenting Centres help families whose children have sleep, feeding or other difficulties...
For children diagnosed with a disability, getting the support they need as early as possible will give them the best chance of minimising the long-term effects of the disability...
Provides an overview of the financial and family support services available to foster carers, families providing permanent care and adoptive parents...
This is your four month key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse – there are 10 visits in total from birth to when your child is three and a half years...
This is your sixth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young...
This is your seventh key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young...
This is your eighth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area. Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young...
When your child turns two, it is time for their second from last key age and stage appointment with your maternal and child health nurse...
Puberty is a time of great change for your child, and for you as a parent too. You can help your child in many practical ways, mostly by being reassuring...
Jaundice is very common in newborns, so it’s nothing to be too worried about. Treatment is very easy and safe. It all happens using blue light from a special blanket that you wrap your baby in. The...
You may need outside help to resolve problems and ensure your relationship stays healthy and strong...
Help your child manage stress during exams by getting them to use good study habits, eat well, exercise, relax, sleep and keep things in perspective...
Children (up to 14) are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke from fires. Their symptoms can be worse at lower smoke concentrations compared to other people.There are steps you can take to avoid smoke and protect their health.
Provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse. Call 1300 60 60 24
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